In May 2022, a compassionate group of Christians founded Born Again Recovery Ministries in Polk County, Arkansas to address the harmful effects of drug and alcohol addiction in the local community. They are now a non-profit 501(3) organization with the mission “to provide a loving, Christ-centered transformation facility for men struggling with addiction.” “Our 12-month residential program in Mena offers a path to salvation through biblical teachings and personalized mentoring. By teaching life skills and fostering a personal relationship with Christ, we empower men to reintegrate into their families and communities successfully,” say organizers of Born Again Recovery Ministries. The group welcomes others to join them in their efforts. They are currently raising funds and seeking a suitable building to house 20 men. With such a large project at hand, they need a variety of volunteers to help achieve their goal. If you would like to help them with social media, event planning, or maybe another area, give them a call at 479-437-2202. Born Again Recovery Ministries invites volunteers to be the change: “Join us in making a difference and helping individuals find healing and renewal. Your support and involvement matter.” To learn more, visit https://www.barministries.org/ or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bornagainrecoveryministries/

The 2023 Board of Directors for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas (HSO) was elected at its January 19th membership meeting. According to its bylaws, HSO is a membership organization and the members elect its Board each year to manage the Society's business affairs. The bylaws also state Board Members shall serve on a voluntary basis. This is why HSO can proudly say “100% of donations go the animals.” There are no administrative costs. Since 1978, when the organizers envisioned, founded and filed the Articles of Incorporation for HSO, dedicated animal lovers have kept HSO going strong for 45 years with financial gifts and volunteerism. HSO has grown from a grass-roots effort to a professional organization, gaining attention from corporate donors whose grants filter down to assist the community through HSO’S low-cost spay-neuter and vaccination programs. HSO’s dedicated paid staff keep up with daily care of the shelter pets, shelter operations, and pet adoptions, which local giving helps to support. Volunteers fill all the gaps. “This is my 16th year as an HSO volunteer,” stated Board Secretary Cheryl Murphy. “I’m proud to volunteer for this fine organization. We have many other volunteers who have served upward and over 10 years. We welcome and appreciate new volunteers! There is no ego here. There is stability and transparency. At every monthly meeting, the Treasurer presents the current financials for all to see and question. I know my gifts are spent wisely for the animals. Forty-five years is a true testimony to HSO’s integrity.” HSO’s tag line is “where your best friend is waiting”. Find your best furry friend at HSO! For more information to adopt, to give, to volunteer, to become a member, to attend a meeting, and to help pets in need in Polk County, visit hsomena.org or call 479-394-5682. For current news, visit facebook.com/hsomena. HSO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Pictured, HSO’s 2023 Board of Directors, standing from left: Secretary Cheryl Murphy, Board Member Wendy Syfrett, President Neal Fosdick, Board Member Mike Keeling. Seated from left: Vice President Denie Westphal, Treasure Sheila Theriot, and Board Member JJ Jones.

The iconic Northside Laundromat was established fifty years ago by a young man named Jerry Montgomery right here in Polk County, located at 601 Hwy 71 N, Suite V, Mena, AR 71953. In his high school years, Jerry and his father began opening coin-operated laundromats and car washes, the first of their kind in all of Arkansas. Northside Laundromat was the largest, most centrally located washateria in the area, just down from the first Mena Wal-Mart. So, this long-standing local business is now approaching its 50th Anniversary! Last year, Timothy and Rebeca Morren purchased Northside Laundromat and rebranded it: The Mena Laundry. After speaking with the previous two owners, the Morren family had a vision to upgrade our local community laundromat in stages, to include high-capacity commercial machines that are super-efficient; as well as upgrade the payment methods to include the traditional Quarter pay, but, to also add an ATM machine, and install mobile app software to accept M/C, Visa, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bitcoin, Cash App, Venmo App, and Bank transfer. Additional conveniences offered will include Self-Service machines, Automated Drop-off service, Full-Service Wash/Dry/Fold, and Pick-up/Delivery by electric car. This will give Mena residents modern time-saving features to get back their weekends and enjoy life! As you see, Timothy and Rebeca aim to carry on the vision Mr. Montgomery started over 50 years ago when he founded this futuristic central laundry facility. We love to help the Mena/Polk County residents and will continue to offer first-class service with industry-leading commercial laundry equipment. Check out The Mena Laundry for all your laundry needs!

Stay and Play the Ouachita mountains: where outdoor adventure begins! Let's Go! Relocating? Visiting? We will send you some info to get you started . We want you to get the most out of your time in The Natural State. We have provided links here to resources and websites that will help you find what you are looking for and make it home safely. People come from all over the world to this area for kayaking, mountain biking, camping, glamping, hiking, ATV riding, fishing, porch sitting, rock climbing, star gazing, and just plain relaxing. You might not have heard of us before but once you see our natural beauty, you'll never forget us. stay! Click photo for more info A-Bear's Den B&B 2205 Church St. Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-8519 Be-Bopper's Inn 1162 HWY 71 South Mena, AR 71953 (479) 385-9164 Janssen Park Place B&B 511 9th St. Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-1880 Studio 293 Guest House 3005 Polk Road 293 Mena, AR 71953 (479) 234-3952 Bethesda Lake Resort and Cabins 140 Mossy Oak Road Mena, AR 71953 (479) 216-7030 CMA Cabins & RV 112 Iron Mtn Ln. Mena, AR 71953 (870) 389-6196 Conifer Area Properties 3838 AR-8 Mena, AR 71953 (833) 247-5367 Cornerstone Mountain Retreat 255 Polk 30 Hatfield, AR 71953 (479) 234-8245 Elks Lodge RV Camping 124 Elk Lane, Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-3740 (479) 394-9919 Heath Valley Cabins 1210 Polk Rd. 61 Mena, AR 71953 (479) 243-0911 Meadow Pine Cabins 698 Polk 26, Hatfield, AR 71945 479-243-3752 Mena Creekside RV Park 211 Polk Rd 624, Mena AR 71953 (903) 521-4611 tommypayne348@gmail.com Mena Mountaintop Cabins 141 Cabins Lane Mena, AR 71953 (479) 216-1598 info@menamountaintopcabins.com Mena Vacation Rentals 1182 Hwy 71 S, Mena, AR 71953 479-234-2304 Rock Creek Cabins 694 Polk Road 41 South , Mena, AR 7153 479-243-7450 4 Cabins are available Southern Charm Manor 139 The Fast Ln, Mena, AR 71953 479-216-2073 Allan.currier1969@gmail.com Trailhead ATV Rentals/ RV Park/Campground 116 Polk Rd 55, Mena, AR 71953 479-216-1429 Mike@trailheadatv.com Executive Inn 704 U. S. Hwy 71 Mena, AR, 71953 (479) 394-3710 Ozark Inn 2102 Hwy 71 South, Mena AR 71953 (479) 394-1100 Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge 3877 Hwy. 88 W Mena, AR 71953 (479) 394-2863 Sun Country Inn 1309 Hwy 71 N. Mena, AR 71953 (877) 394-7477 Play! State Parks and National forest Click photo for more info Queen Wilhelmina State Park Explore mountains. Mountain bike and hiking trails are plentiful. Kayaking and fishing. Queen Wilhelmina State Park has it all. Cossatot River State Park Known for kayaking, hiking and camping, Cossatot River State Park has adventures just waiting to be had. Ouachita National Forest Find yourself in the wilderness at Ouachita National Forest. More info is on the way!

Welcome to Mena/Polk Co. Chamber of commerce! If you have just moved to the Mena/Polk County area, please come by our office and get your Welcome Packet. We would love to meet you and give you more information on our area! The Mena Polk County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest business organization in Polk County and exists to unite the efforts of business and professional individuals to promote and advance the economic, civic, industrial, professional, cultural, and social welfare of the Mena/Polk County Area. It enables its membership to accomplish collectively what no one can do individually. We welcome you to join us! Click the image to see our Chamber's Magazine this week in Mena: Contact us Thank you! We will get back to you soon! Send View County Maps and Local Attractions Membership Directory Read our Blog Chamber Spotlight: Born Again Recovery Ministries HSO New Board of Directors! Chamber Spotlight: Mena Laundry social media

lodging Click photo for more info A-Bear's Den B&B Janssen Park Place B&B Southern Charm Manor Studio 293 Guest House Mena Creekside RV Park Board Camp Crystal Mine's Crystal Cottage CMA Iron Mountain Cabins and Campground Conifer Area Properties Cornerstone Mountain Retreat Elks Lodge RV Camping Heath Valley Cabins Trailhead ATV Rentals/ RV Park/Campground Meadow Pine Cabins Mena Mountaintop Cabins Rock Creek Cabins Budget Inn of Mena Executive Inn Ozark Inn Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge Sun Country Inn Bethesda Lake Resort and Cabins Fish Net Lodge